English home · News 2026 · Deutsch
February 2026 topic. Published retrospectively on 13 November 2026. Law as at 13 November 2026. The article date provides a thematic position in the annual archive.
Anyone planning a boarding or care facility should connect licensing with the operational plan early. Premises, staff, capacity and contracts must fit the actual intended activity.
Activity determines requirements
Section 11 TierSchG covers various licensed activities. Whether permission is needed, and its scope, depend on the offer. Applying alone does not authorise starting a regulated activity. Later expansion should also be checked against approval. Location and use may face additional requirements beyond welfare law.
Care must work in practice
A convincing plan addresses care, separation of incompatible animals, health checks and emergencies, not just capacity. It should establish decision-makers, owner contacts and handover information. Responsibilities must work during staff illness or holidays as well as on paper.
Adapt contracts to operations
Define services, feeding, medicines, additional costs and collection clearly. Record health and behaviour information. Emergency treatment requires authority and cost arrangements. Blanket exclusions do not replace a workable care plan.
Four practical examples
These examples illustrate typical situations. They do not report actual client matters.
Adding cat accommodation
A dog boarding facility expands. Check permit scope, premises and competence before accepting the new group.
Overnight care
Day care becomes multi-day boarding. Operations and precautions change.
Medicines during holidays
An owner expects daily treatment. Instructions, doses and limits must be clear.
Unclear keeper arrangements
A third party delivers an animal. Clarify representation, contracting party and payment at admission.
Legal basis and further information
Official legislation / authority guidance · Detailed information on this practice area